Records lay out corruption at youth detention center

An investigation into public corruption at a state youth detention center in eastern Oregon paints a picture of an out-of-control warden who bilked taxpayers for thousands of dollars while silencing staff with threats.

Internal documents and a police report obtained by The Oregonian allege a wide range of abuses by Darrin Humphreys, the former superintendent of the RiverBend youth detention center in La Grande.

Among allegations are that Humphreys: stole state property, including roofing materials, lumber and exercise equipment; used youth inmates to install kitchen cabinets in and reroof his home; arranged a cash kickback from a contractor; claimed more than $12,000 in unearned mileage reimbursements; and tried to get potential whistle-blowers fired and made threats against potential witnesses.